Density and refractive indices of alkali borate and borosilicate crystals and glasses: a comparative analysis

This study is aimed at the comparative analysis of structure sensitive properties of alkali borate and borosilicate glasses and crystals. Among the properties under consideration are density and refractive index. The comparison of physical properties between crystals and glasses considers the dependence on alkali content and the size of the alkali cation. New experimental data on density and refractive index of potassium and rubidium borate and borosilicate glasses are presented. The mass density measurements were performed by employing the method of hydrostatic weighing. The refractive index measurements were carried out on a polarization microscope with a series of immersion liquids, using the Becke line method. The compared crystal density data were calculated from the crystal structures.